Tehran, Iran – June 18, 2025
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Israeli fighter jets struck more than 40 military targets across western Iran overnight in what the Israeli military has called a decisive counteroffensive. The wave of airstrikes, which included the bombing of missile storage sites, attack helicopters, and a facility linked to uranium centrifuge production, marks one of the most extensive direct assaults by Israel on Iranian territory in recent years.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation early Wednesday, stating, “Fighter jets completed a series of strikes on military targets in western Iran. Approximately 25 aircraft struck over 40 missile infrastructure components directed toward the State of Israel, including missile storage sites and military operatives of the Iranian regime.”
In a further update, the IDF disclosed that five Iranian AH-1 attack helicopters were also destroyed at a military base in the Kermanshah area. The statement said these aircraft were considered potential threats as part of Iran’s regional offensive capabilities.
While the IDF reported successful intercepts of at least 10 Iranian missiles overnight, Iran’s own retaliatory attacks appear to have caused limited damage and no reported casualties in Israel.
Explosions Rock Tehran
Eyewitnesses in Tehran described a night of fear and chaos as the capital was shaken by the sound of airstrikes in the early hours of Wednesday. Videos shared on social media showed plumes of smoke rising from multiple locations, with loud explosions echoing across the city.
One resident, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, said: “We heard the first explosions just after midnight. It felt like the whole ground was shaking. Many people rushed to basements and underground parking lots for safety.”
While official casualty figures within Iran have yet to be independently verified, a prominent human rights organization reported that at least 585 people have been killed and 1,326 others injured across the country since the conflict escalated earlier this week.
Iranian Response and Nuclear Claims
Amid the rising tensions, Iran’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Seyed Ali Mousavi, addressed the British Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in an urgent session on Wednesday. Mousavi defended Iran’s recent missile launches and reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic was not pursuing nuclear weapons.
“There is no desire, there is no intention to produce the nuclear bomb,” Mousavi said, attempting to allay growing international fears. He reiterated that Iran remains engaged in indirect negotiations with the United States, emphasizing diplomacy over aggression.
Challenged by British MPs over the legitimacy of Iran’s political structure, Mousavi pushed back, saying: “My government is a legal government and there is no doubt about it. We reject the label of ‘regime’—it is inaccurate and politically motivated.”
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is peaceful, despite having enriched uranium up to 60%—a step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to conduct limited inspections in Iran, though access has been increasingly restricted. U.S. intelligence agencies, while cautious, have said they do not believe Iran is actively building a nuclear bomb at this time.
A Brewing Regional Crisis
The latest exchange of fire follows weeks of growing tension after the death of prominent Iranian scientist Mehrdad Daryaei and continued proxy attacks involving Iran-backed militias in Syria and Iraq. The situation took a dramatic turn on Tuesday night when Iran fired a limited barrage of missiles toward Israel, prompting the retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.
Israel’s counterattack appeared to target not only immediate missile threats but also long-term infrastructure supporting Iran’s military and nuclear ambitions. The IDF confirmed that one of the facilities struck overnight was used for manufacturing components for uranium centrifuges—equipment central to enriching nuclear material.
“Our operations are aimed at neutralizing imminent threats to Israeli citizens,” said IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari during a press briefing. “We will not tolerate aggression from any nation or actor that seeks our destruction.”
Meanwhile, Tehran has warned that any U.S. intervention would result in broader regional conflict. An Iranian official cautioned, “Any direct U.S. involvement will be a recipe for an all-out war in the region.” Though he did not elaborate further, the remark has raised alarms given the substantial American military presence in the Persian Gulf and surrounding nations.
The Pentagon, for its part, reiterated its commitment to defend American personnel and allies but refrained from confirming any immediate military response. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated, “The United States will respond with overwhelming force to any attack on our forces or our partners. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and return to diplomacy.”
Global Reactions and Uncertainty Ahead
As the international community watches the unfolding crisis with growing concern, several world leaders have called for urgent de-escalation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appealed to both nations to show restraint and avoid dragging the broader Middle East into a full-scale war.
China and Russia have also weighed in, each calling for an emergency session of the UN Security Council. The European Union expressed grave concern over the latest developments and urged a return to the negotiating table, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear file.
In Israel, public sentiment remains defiant but anxious. Citizens have been advised to stay near bomb shelters as security agencies remain on high alert for further Iranian retaliation.
In Iran, the mood is one of simmering anger and fear. With many mourning the loss of loved ones and the destruction of vital infrastructure, anti-Israel sentiment has grown sharply. Pro-government demonstrators filled the streets of several cities on Wednesday, chanting slogans and demanding vengeance.
As the dust settles over Tehran and Jerusalem, the world waits to see whether diplomacy can halt what now appears to be a fast-moving path toward a broader and potentially catastrophic conflict.
